Social Support Assistant
Ref: MP8249
Location: Crawley
Details
This role is to support a Child
Drivers licence required: Yes
Own vehicle needed: Yes
Employment status:
employed
Hours per week:
3 hours over the weekend during school term time. There may also be some additional hours available half term breaks during the week.
Hourly pay rate:
£14.50
Community Support Role: Companion for an 11-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Are you someone who finds joy in helping children thrive beyond their boundaries? I am looking for a kind, patient, and reliable individual to support my 11-year-old son in accessing and enjoying his local community safely.
About My Son:
He’s autistic and experiences significant challenges with language and communication. He has limited understanding of danger and needs close supervision in public settings.
Despite these challenges, he finds happiness in simple pleasures — riding in the car, blowing bubbles, watching balloons float, swimming, and relaxing with his iPad. He enjoys visits to the park and responds well in calming environments.
Walking can be difficult for him, so mobility support is essential. He requires vigilant care around roads and unfamiliar surroundings.
Your Role:
- Drive him to local destinations in your own vehicle (mileage paid at 35p per mile)
- Provide calm and consistent companionship
- Anticipate his needs and reduce anxiety in new or overstimulating environments
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience with autistic children or children with severe communication needs, preferred
- Confidence in supporting someone who may feel overwhelmed by changes in routine
- Warmth, patience, and a sense of humour — small gestures go a long way
This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to help a wonderful young person experience the world with safety, joy, and trust.
Duties include:
Candidate qualities:
- Applicants should have experience of working with children with severe communication difficulties and who get overly anxious in new environments.
Additional requirements
Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours, Vulnerable to the risk of infection and disease transmission
Notes:
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.
If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.
Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.
*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9
